When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:

• How many years of experience do you have?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Do you have worker’s compensation?

• Do you use subcontractors on your projects?

• Do you clean up after the job is done?

• Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?

• Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?

• Do you give free estimates?

• What is the timeline for completion?

• How do you handle change orders?

• Can you provide at least three references?

• Can I see some of the work you’ve done?

It might seem counterintuitive, but the best time to install a paver patio is during late fall to winter. The cold and wet weather of those seasons can help your patio installer perfect the foundation for your patio. Plus, you'll likely be able to find better sales and deals during the colder months when patio installation business is typically slower. Consult a local patio paver professional to determine the best time to install based on your area’s climate.

A paver patio can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years, depending on the type of pavers and how well you maintain them. 

Travertine pavers are usually the most durable, lasting 100 years or more, with regular maintenance. Concrete brick pavers have a variety of shapes and colors available and typically last 25 to 50 years. Traditional brick pavers have a more classic look, lasting around 20 years with proper maintenance.

The cost of a paver patio is $3,800 for a 280-square-foot patio on average. Depending on the patio size, paver material, and design complexity, this cost can range from $2,400 to $7,000 or more.

The size of your patio is a significant factor in the project’s overall cost. If you're building a smaller patio of only 60 square feet, your costs will be closer to $480 to $1,500. If you want a more luxurious 900-square-foot patio, you'll spend closer to $7,200 to $22,500.

An asphalt driveway costs about $7 to $15 per square foot, including labor and materials. The cost will vary depending on your location, how thick the base material is, what prep is required, the thickness of the asphalt, and the accessibility of the job site. The national average cost to install an asphalt driveway is about $4,740.